One thing I learned as a rouge? Don't get distracted. Being a rogue was pretty terrible, but you learn a lot of valuable skills as long as you don't give in to the need to kill. As long as you control your wolf, as long as at any moment you can pull the reigns back you're not fine, but you're decent and living. The rain was coming down steadily now, if I get her into a submission hold it will be easier for her to wiggle out. As I'm charging towards her I notice everyone back away instantly.
A fist connecting with her face before she can get into a defensive pose, she's on the ground. Jumping over her slumped body she tries to nurse her bleeding nose. I run back around in a semi-circle and stand several feet in front of her. The loud crack that had echoed through the air confirmed it, it's broken. "Riley." Hurriedly she jogs towards Katie and despite her protests, her nose is put back into place. Lucas growls at her, furious that his female put herself in harm's way. If she so much as touched Riley in a manner I didn't like I can guarantee that she would be dead.
If not from me then from Riley's male.
Climbing off the grass that will soon turn to mud she wipes her nose clean. Pacing patiently in front of her, Amber wants her to make a move. Sprinting towards me I take a step to the left as she dives. Clicking my tongue I turn back around to face her. She's slow, unnatural and clumsy. Amber thinks this is a game, I'm not taking this as seriously as I should. But she didn't stand a chance. "You need to work on speed." A fist flying in my direction, I duck and land a blow to her stomach. "Rule number 1, don't let anyone anticipate your moves."
An elbow to the back of her neck and she's sent into the grass. Droplets of water run down my arms, my blonde hair now a darkened brown. Getting into a defensive pose she barrels towards me like a bull out of the gate. Let's see what she can do. I don't move this time.
Blocking a left hook, then a right. I grab her leg while she was moving to do a roundhouse kick, a tight grip on her ankle. Any sudden movement and she could go colliding into the earth. "Rule number 2. Keep your movements natural, you're movements are expected." Amber gives me some strength and without hesitation I'm throwing her over my head, her back landing on the ground with a loud THUMP. Mother Nature is on her side today, it's muddy now. Had it been a sunny day, the hard ground would have hurt her spine.
Feeling pride exuding from my mate in waves, I try to focus on the task at hand. We want to impress our mate.
However this isn't a challenge, not for me. "Rule number 3. Stay the hell away from my mate." A foot on her throat has her scratching at my legs. Her claws descending in hopes to do more damage, more pressure is applied by my foot. "Tap out or get the hell knocked out." I warn. I tend to get more…arrogant when fighting. I blame the Alpha in me.
Like Josh, I can be an 'arrogant alpha'.
Lifting my leg off of her throat I step backwards, Amber wants fur. She wants teeth and claws to take over this fight. Wanting to make her regret ever challenging us, to regret ever thinking that Josh was her male. She's just a power hungry she-wolf. Seconds later Katie is off the ground and slowly morphing into her wolf. Clothes shredding, one swift and loud crack- I'm done shifting before she is. Slight gasps escape the small crowd that's gathered. My shift is effortless, some could miss it if they were watching Katie. Spending all day shifting from skin to fur makes things easier, effortless and quick. I watch as her mouth turns to a snout, ears setting on top her head and hand to paws. Fur sprouting from every inch of her body.
Pacing across the ground, shaking out my fur and stretching my legs. I'm getting prepared for this fight. Remaining in control, Amber is getting frustrated wanting to take over my consciousness. The she-wolf's widened eyes tell me she's surprised I'm waiting on her since it was her who sprouted fur first. Snarling teeth, snapping jaws-her blue orbs flicker to amber. Her wolf is in charge, so it comes as no surprise to me that she's wanting to submit. Tail tucking, she's arguing with her host.
Her wolf knows something Katie just doesn't want to accept.
Standing to my full height I circle my future prey. Not giving her a choice in this situation, she wants a challenge that's what she's going to get. Nails digging into the mud, it will be hard to have friction. Strength means less in this form, but only because of this weather. Speed and teeth, that's what matters. I'm waiting for her to make the first move, and she does.
Predictable.
Meeting her sprint head on my incisors glisten, rain dripping from my canines. I can't help but feel cocky, I have to control myself. Cockiness gets you killed. That's rule number 4. Teeth sink into her side after hastily dodging an attack. A yelp resonates through the yard and I pull away again. This is the second time I could have ended her, I hope she realizes that. If she were out in the wild, she'd be dead. Fur rising across her spine, she's aware of our presence behind her. Quickly she's trying to come up with a plan.
My plan is simple… attack.
Throwing myself on the tan wolf in front of me we go rolling in the mud. Snarling, gritting teeth I plunge towards her neck. My teeth waiting to dig into the flesh but I don't. She continues to wiggle and I tighten my hold but only slightly. I don't want to hurt her. That's the difference between myself and a lot of rogues.
A low growl from my throat, she wants to bow down. Katie won't let her. Relentless is one word to use when describing that female. Sinking my teeth into her neck to hold her tight since a simple warning won't work with her, I put pressure on her front paw till I hear a sickening crack. Another loud yelp. An angry father, a pleading mother. A brother, satisfied?
She still won't submit. Moving my paw towards the right leg she whimpers loudly knowing what's about to happen unless she submits. A glance towards my mate, a quick nod of the head giving me permission and one last glance at the wolf underneath me. Blue eyes, not her wolf's amber ones.
She's gone limp. No longer wiggling in my grasp, I rest myself completely on top of her. Releasing my teeth from her skin, Amber takes control. I don't know how but it happened and I don't know why since the fight is over. The metallic taste of blood becomes more apparent in my mouth, the scent of iron and rain becomes stronger and invades my nostrils. Katie shows us her neck, she's done.
And we were just getting started.
Circling her 'kill' we take in the wolves around us. It seems as if 200 or so wolves had come to watch the show. Pacing around, Amber releases a low growl. 'IS THERE ANYONE ELSE?'
She's feeling feisty. Mud on her fur, claws digging into the ground as she stands proud over the wolf who thought she could take us down. 'I SAID IS THERE ANYONE ELSE?!'
Pack members show their necks as a sign of submission. Stepping towards John, he's yet to do so. Amber growls at the disrespect she feels we don't deserve. Josh watches me with careful eyes. John's also to blame. He's to blame for his child's behavior, a father who loves his daughter too much. Letting her get away with whatever she wants will not help her in the long run. Case and point… today. Growling at the male before us we watch as he throws his head down and angles his neck out. 'Good.'
Trotting towards her male he kneels down on the ground. It was almost shocking for some. He'll have stains on his jeans now. It will show other pack members he got on the ground for someone. It could be misconstrued for begging. One hand under my muzzle, another scratches behind my ears. "So beautiful." Purring I run my face against his. "I'm very proud of you."
A flick of the tail to his face and she circles him. Sizing up her male in human form, a swing of the hips-she's being seductive. Not caring that there are eyes of pack members all around. A quick pinch to the ear has her yelping. "Don't do that." Whimpering she lies down on the ground, tail tucking underneath her. "There are unmated males out here Amber."
Sneezing she cocks her head to the side. She'd like to see them try and touch her in a way intended only for her mate. Amber is enjoying this time and refuses to give me back control. She doesn't care that her fur is getting matted and tangled or the fact it's pouring down rain. No wolf really does. A flicker of the eyes, he isn't looking at me anymore. They're trained on something else and he's furious, "You're injured." Leaving Dr. Packwood with Katie, Riley runs towards us. Amber gives her a lick on the cheek to show her affection, they haven't seen one another since they went running together almost a month ago.
Forcefully she's rolled on her back by our mate. While Riley inspects her scratches, her tongue places chaste licks on Josh who finds it somewhat amusing despite the circumstances. "She'll be fine Alpha. Nothing deep, no stitches required. It will heal. We just need to clean it off." Yelping at the sudden burning sensation she lowly growls at the pain. Ensuring she doesn't even so much as look in Riley's direction so she knows it isn't intended for her. "Oh good, it hurt. That means it's working." She giggles and pets Amber, "Good job Maya and Amber. However, you did take it easy on her."
"Is that so?" Wandering eyes move towards Alpha Allen. Amber wants to spar with this male, she wants to see what he can do. He's stronger than Kermit. If we could handle Allen, we could take down Kermit. "I'd love to see what you can do." Kneeling down, he tilts his head to the side inspecting my wolf. "Very interesting patchwork. Tall, muscular, lean-a strong wolf." Hand raised in the air he slowly lowers it behind my ears as to not seem like a threat. Lowering her head, she's not a threat to the male in front of her.
A whimper from behind her has her nerves on high alert. Hair rising on her spine, Katie is being lifted off the ground by her parents. Amber snorts, we didn't hurt her that bad. Riley has my clothes in her hands and lowers them into her mouth. Trotting behind a tree she gives me full control and I shift to skin, hurriedly dressing. The cool breeze making me shiver with the raindrops resting on my skin. Mud caked in my hair and on my skin I step out from behind the tree. Approaching Katie head on.
Kris smirks with his arms crossed, he's amused. Before reaching her sparks envelop my hand, I don't have to look to know that my mate is walking with me. Hand in hand. Blood that doesn't dry-because of the rain, drips down from the bite around her neck. Dark brown mud covers her body while she cradles one of her hands. "Look up." Josh commands.
Red eyes. Humiliation, flashing to embarrassment then sadness. "If it weren't for your Luna-who has continued to prove herself time and time again you'd have mere minutes to leave this territory. Do you understand that?"
"Yes Alpha." She whispers, avoiding eye contact at all costs. She doesn't want to provoke.
"IF it weren't for your Luna your punishment would have been much more severe. Do you understand that?"
Again she mutters a 'yes Alpha'. Curiosity is ruling out, what's he getting at? "And lastly if it weren't for your Luna, if it were anyone else- like me for instance you would be dead. Do you understand that?" The last bit of his words are laced with so much truth, so much promise it even makes me shiver.
"Yes Alpha."
"So what have we learned Katie?" Biting my lip I stifle a laugh, my male-such a dick. I love him anyways, before she has a chance to answer he speaks up again. "That your Luna, despite all your indiscretions towards her and after everything that you caused she is looking out for you." Well yeah, karma sucks. I don't want to piss off the Moon Goddess. She nods solemnly, "I don't give a damn that your father was a beta. You are better than no one and to prove my point, you will finish off Kris' kitchen duty plus one month." A strong, hard face on the outside but inside I'm giddy. Josh is impressed that even though this was Kris' family his loyalty remained with me. Kris' eyes widening-he's ecstatic, blue orbs move towards the pack house where his mate is standing on the steps.
His first priority.
"I'm sorry Luna Maya."
Whispered words that snap me back to reality. "We all make mistakes." It was meant as a comforting notion, but it does little to do so. The former beta's daughter was humiliated in front of the pack because of her stubborn nature. She was obviously used to getting her way, hopefully we won't have any more issues. "Go get cleaned up."
A slight nod of their heads has them all sauntering towards the pack house. The chill of the rain is starting to sink into my skin. Josh notices my slight tremor, "You need to get cleaned up as well."
'Join me'
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Riley stares at the phone in Josh's office. Brown orbs shifting from the phone, to me and to her mate. Consistently repeating the process. She's scared. Standing, Lucas picks up his mate and cradles her in his arms. She's more than scared, though I don't know why. The soft whispers of her mate cooing her softly and lovingly, the tight shoulders of my best friend slowly release their tension. "Riles, you need to talk to them. They're worried about you."
Shaky fingers pick up the cellphone and her petite thumb presses the green button. How she still remembered her parents phone number after all these years is beyond me. It's been 2 days since the day I was challenged by Katie and things have been running smoothly. Amy has been showing me in detail what exactly a Luna does. Ultimately group functions, and reading to the pups and children. Helping my mate with paperwork whenever I'm rendered necessary or I force it upon him. I've also gone out to the garden with the Omega's to help, they were all shocked and confused at first-but as I've said time and time again… no one is better than anyone else regardless of what your rank is. I enjoy the bright colors of the vegetable garden. The brightest yellows and oranges to the deepest reds and green.
Wonderful woman, speaking mostly of their mates and pups. Occasionally stories of 'the good old days' fill my ears. I can't help but laugh a good portion of the time. I want to go back to the garden, to the Omega's. "Speaker." I whisper and she nods pressing another button. I want to hear their voices too.
One ring.
Then two.
And again.
"Yes?" Both Riley and I close our eyes. Deep baritone voice that was once filled with humor is now in one word- broken. "Hello?"
Choking on her sobs she has to regain her composure, I take the lead. "Cory?"
Silence.
Hearing a gulp, it's almost as if he's speaking to a ghost. "Maya?" No doubt tears are now exposed. From the sniffling and shaky voice it isn't hard to believe. "Oh my Goddess. MAYA?!"
"Yes." I whisper and clutch my mate's hand. "Yeah it's me and Riley. Riley's here with me, she's just- she's overwhelmed."
A weeping female, a sobbing male. Jealousy yet again tries to take hold, he's happy. "Riley. Your mother and I have missed you so much." Another father loving his daughter no matter the transgressions. "Why'd you leave? You could have been hurt or killed. Goddess Riley say something I need to hear your voice."
Her mate kisses her tears away and gives a reassuring smile, "Hi daddy."
Another sob.
"TOPANGA!? Your mother and I- we've been so scared for you girls! When you left Maya-Goddess I can't and Riley when you- we held out hope. We held out hope for both of you. We didn't feel the bond break, we love you girls. TOPANGA!"
Now it's my turn to let tears fall.
I was missed. A feminine voice with muffled words. I remember her well, light brown hair with honey highlights. Always long and always gorgeous, almond like eyes in both color and shape. Voluptuous lips and a smile that could brighten up any room. A few words from her mate and she's crying, "RILEY! MAYA!"
Did my father not tell them? "We've missed you both so much."
And that's how the conversation goes. Back and forth for what seems like ages, an occasional 'I love you' but mostly 'we miss you', 'we miss you both'. Cory is still the pack doctor but he wants to retire soon-they both were… why? To find their daughter. When they said that my heart broke. She left to find me. They were going to leave to find her. That's what family does. "We would have left sooner but Alpha Kermit didn't have a replacement and begged me to stay. I've been training someone else, he's almost fit to take over."
My father begging.
That would be a sight to see.
'Begging for his life'
Amber, always the optimist. Even when his neck is between my teeth he won't beg. Not to me.
Not ever to me.
"Cory, Topanga this is Alpha Josh of the Twilight Pack."
"Alpha." Replying in unison, even though Josh isn't their Alpha they are respecting him. It's Cory who continues the conversation. "Thank you for keeping our girls safe."
"Pleasure is all mine." A quick peck to the cheek and he's got his Alpha demeanor back on. His voice lowering slightly, furrowed brows while his eyes look out to nothingness. "Please understand that you don't have to answer right away but I'd like to offer you and your mate a room here in our pack. Permanently or for a visit, up to you."
Cupping my mouth, Riley rises from her seat. She can't control her energy. Happiness filling her eyes along with unshed tears. She glances at her mate whose love glistens in his emerald orbs. His wolf is ecstatic seeing his mate so happy. "We don't need time to think Alpha Josh. When can we come?"
Jumping out of my mate's lap I leap onto my best friend. Arms around one another, she cries happily in my arms. "At your earliest convenience. I'll have the room ready by tomorrow."
Letting go of Riley I saunter towards my mate who is watching me. He rotates his chair, legs parted and arms wide open. I throw myself at him and kiss him all over. Showering him with small pecks he's fighting a laugh. "I love you so much. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you." He knows how much those wolves mean to me. He knows how they took care of me, whether this is for my benefit or his way of thanking them for everything they've done. I do not care.
Not in the slightest. "I love you baby girl."
"We'll be there by tomorrow evening. Alpha Josh, we are forever in your debt. Thank you so much."
Shaking his head as if they can see him, he chuckles to himself. "No, it is I who am in debt to you. You've saved my mate on several occasions. You will always have a place in this pack." Again the only emotion I can get out-the only emotion I have for this male is love.
My lips connect with every inch of skin. A quick spark, a warm tingle and it's gone to be placed somewhere else on his face. "Girls?" Stopping what I'm doing I don't miss the pout my mate sends my way. "We both love you so much. We will see you in 1 day. 1 day girls and we will see you. We love you both and we can't wait to meet your mates." Repeated words, almost as if he's reassuring himself of this notion. For 6 years he's wondered about me, for 2 about his daughter. I have no doubt he won't believe it's us until he sees us.
A true miracle.
'Miraculum'.
"I love you both." I whisper but they heard it from the deep inhale of breath.
"I love you dad. I love you mom."
"LET'S GO TELL YOUR PARENTS!" Riley dragging her male out of the room, Lucas gives us a polite bow of respect before exiting the room. They're good for one another, one's too serious another has a childlike spirit.
Standing off his lap, gripping his hand I lead him out of the room. "Where are we going?" Tilted head, he looks positively adorable.
"To repay you for your… shall we call it hospitality?"
"Oh hell yeah."
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